Artist's Statement

I stole my mom’s paring knife when I was 10. 

I hid it under the sofa in the basement. I never cut anything with it, just took it out and admired it from time to time. If I’m honest, ten-year-old me felt empowered by the feel of it in my hand. And if I’m really honest, I still do. It has never been about the power to do violence with a blade—although I do think it’s important for me as a maker to respect that potential—but there is just something about knives that I find compelling.

Think about it. Every culture in the world has used knives since long before recorded history, and they are useful in nearly every sphere of human endeavor. You’ve probably used one at least once already today. Knives are simply a feature of our existence in the world we inhabit.

As a bladesmith, I get to explore the balance of form and function through the endless variety of mankind’s oldest and most useful tool. My craft pushes me every day to learn more and work harder. I love the immediacy of seeing beautiful, useful objects take shape in my hands.

– Zack Jonas